Another prop post + performance question. 2005 Seafarer 228 with F225

Actually my 226 showed up with a prop that wasn’t too different from what you’re running. It was steel, but it was black and it had really flat blades. Pop slippage calculator showed Very high slippage. Turned a ton of RPM without ever really biting and Ate a bunch of gas.

The four blade Powertech offshore was 500 bucks, but just night and day different. You should try one. I gained about 7 miles an hour top speed, and dropped my cruising RPM 4-500. I bought the 17, but Ken certainly knows what he’s talking about..
 
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I think trimming the engine to "4" is a little too high and probably why your RPMs are so high. What happens if you run it at 3?

I have an OX66 225, but I think most of us 228 owners run them the same except for LuckyDude :). Whenever I get moving, my engine is trimmed all the way down and I quickly push my throttle so the RPMs are around 3800-4100. Once I do that, I hit the trim tabs for about 2 seconds or so and then I raise the engine to around 3. If 3800, that's about 25-27 while 4100 is right around 29-31, once on plane. You can start slowly easing the throttle back ever so gently and get the MPH down. I was able to stay on plane around 19-21MPH doing that, but I like going faster

That is with 140 gallons of fuel, bottom paint, hardtop, enclosures, 3 blade prop, etc
I didn't say I run the trim at four bars on the indicator. I said I run them from all the way down to 4. Thanks for the info though.
 
Aluminum isn’t magnetic, but neither is stainless steel. Yours looks painted. In fairness I’ve never checked to see if my propellers are magnetic, but I’ve definitely identified stainless vs regular steel. Interesting...
Agreed stainless isn't magnetic, but most is because it isn't pure. Some more than others. Yamaha bolts compared to Evinrude are less magnetic because they have more stainless/higher quality. Almost no aluminum is magnetic though. Definitely not magnetic.
 
Hi,

If you are thinking of a 17 x 15 1/2 stainless prop..

I have a Yamaha Saltwater Series II SDS Propeller 17 x 15 1/2. Includes nut, washer, spacer and thrust washer that is available for purchase or experimentation (if you are local to Boston, MA or want to pay for shipping).

Overall very good condition. A few fairly small nicks.

I would let it go for $300 (PP F&F) plus shipping from 01930 (or local pickup, of course).

 
Looks like you have ally prop totally useless for that boat.. Replace it with either SWS2 15.5x 17" pitch or for heavier loads 4 blade 16" pitch or even 15" . You may even lift the engine one hole as well .
I have a F250 4.2 lt she came with a SWS2 15.5x 17" ( 4.2 have different gearbox) and she was OK with that . I replaced mine with Merc Enertia prop, 17" I also tried 18" both OK but for offshore and heavy loads 17" is better. The only disadvantage with the Enertia she will not reverse as well as the SWS2.
Mine will max out at about 46 mph on calm water trimmed out , will plane at 18 mph even lower on calm water.
 
My 228 came with a 3.3 liter f250. it maxed out at 6,000 rpm with SSII 15.5 x17 . it would stay on plane 22or so and at 4800 RPM I was looking at 37-38 mph. It's clear the boat is not propped right and perhaps you have to much weight in the stern ? I know some guys with 225 the motor is mounted top hole in the bracket and 3rd hole on the motor . Your motor could be too low.
 
Aluminum isn’t magnetic, but neither is stainless steel. Yours looks painted. In fairness I’ve never checked to see if my propellers are magnetic, but I’ve definitely identified stainless vs regular steel. Interesting...
Stainless steel has varying amounts of nickle and cobalt added to the the steel to give it it's " stainless" properties . neither of those metals are magnetic . The higher the grade of Stainless the less magnetic the steel becomes.
 
You should be able to fully verify if it's SS or Al by tapping on the edge with a tool or seeing how a razor blade feels against the edge. You could also just take it off and feel it. Of course, this is assuming you have experience with props to be able to do the comparison.

However, you said it's a stock, 17M prop.... someone correct me if I'm wrong, but if it's a 17M - weren't they all stainless?

Sounds like you're trimming it OK. Is your speed based on the boat speedo or GPS?
 
05 226, 05 f250. Hardtop clean bottom 17p merc enertia. Just touching 6100 rev limiter at 44 mph. Thinking raise a hole and 18 p for 46 mph.
 
17M markings on Yamaha prop could be either S/S or ally. It looks like ally in the picture but the OP should be able to tell better than me looking at a picture.
If you can't tell take it off weigh it and post the weight.
 
Hi,

If you are thinking of a 17 x 15 1/2 stainless prop..

I have a Yamaha Saltwater Series II SDS Propeller 17 x 15 1/2. Includes nut, washer, spacer and thrust washer that is available for purchase or experimentation (if you are local to Boston, MA or want to pay for shipping).

Overall very good condition. A few fairly small nicks.

I would let it go for $300 (PP F&F) plus shipping from 01930 (or local pickup, of course).

Thanks, but Ken recommended a 15 x 15 in Quicksilver to run the RPM I want to on plane. I am going to try to find that first or just order it from him.
 
I know it's a old thread but what prop did you end up with? I have the same boat with 2006 3.3 f225 ,hard top, 48 gallon bait tank currently with a 17p Yamaha SWSII and best cruise is 4700 rpm at 27.5 kt 2.1 mpg. And i can stay on plane down to 17kt or so.Looking to improve the mpg part along with hole shot and Ken recommended a 14p enertia prop. Haven't tried yet.
 
I'm pretty sure that a 17M is a stainless-steel Saltwater Series15 1/4 x 17. That's what I had on my twin 225 hp 2003 Grady 330. I agree with others that the problem is not the prop - I think it's an engine tuning problem.
 
Mine is definitely stainless steel. I'm curious as to how the QS 15x15 worked out for the OP.